How reliable were Toyota 4x4 automatic transmissions?

Question

I just picked up an '87 Toyota 4x4 that the seller thought had lost reverse. The fluid doesn't seem overly burnt, a little tinge of brown but doesn't smell badly burned. With the shifter in reverse position the motor builds RPM a little but not like with no load, in neutral position it drives forward easily and in park it shutters back and forth like it wants to back up but can't when given some throttle. It appears to have all 4 forward gears and overdrive will shut off/ turn on with the switch. It seems like it could be a shifter adjustment thing, I've never owned or worked on a Toyota before so the cable shifter is a little suspicious but foreign to me. I've fryed 6-&00R4's in 4 different Chevy trucks and when reverse goes that was usually the last gear to be there following first and started out by 2nd,3rd and 4th. I bought a book, tranny fluid and filter with thoughts of diving into that over the weekend and I'm not to proud to seek some prior knowledge from those who know more.

Answer 1

WERE is the key word here! after 21 years anything can have happened. Yes your description sounds like cable bushing is shot and the slector lever is not over reverse and the manual valve is not allowing fluid to the low reverse brake and clutch pack. Internal fluid leak in the transmission can do that too. Get the transmission replaced don't mess with any thing but external things.

Answer 2

The early Toyota trannies and engines were practically bulletproof and needed basic routine maintenance. I would have a trusted mechanic take a look at it if it bothers you to much, but it sounds like the fluid hasn't been changed in some time.

Answer 3

Toyota, only 2nd to Mercedes 1979 thru 1990 trannies.Easy to work on,if it needs it,which is seldom.

Answer 4

Four wheel drive will do nothing but get you stuck further from the house.